"The words "I am" are potent words; be careful what you hitch them to. The thing you’re claiming has a way of reaching back and claiming you."

~A.L. Kitselman

Words have power – you can believe that or not believe that, but the reality holds true. The words that I speak have the power to encourage and lift up those around me. Words can also be used to cut down and destroy the people that I encounter each day – from my family and friends to the poor clerks destined to walk through my path.

The words that I use during my day also determine my own walk. Not only will the words spoken drive the directions I take, but the words that flow constantly through my mind will begin to develop my path. As a man thinks, so is he.

Not thinking is an impossible action for the task of controlling thoughts. Capturing and changing thoughts that cross through my mind makes the task manageable. A changed life starts with changed words.

The twelve step programs, the bible and the positive thinking gurus all proclaim the importance of speaking aloud the changes that are desired. The words come first. "If I always do what I’ve always done then I will always get what I always got." Change begins with the words that are spoken.

When asked about swimming against Michael Phelps in the 2008 Summer Olympics, a competitor said he was not even thinking about beating Micheal Phelps but only thinking about finishing second. He succeeded.

The words that are spoken begin the change process, but actions are also required for success. When asked about doubting his ability to win gold at the Olympics in 2008, Michael Phelps seemed shocked. Doubting his ability never came to his mind. He believed he could and then he put actions behind that belief to build his ability. He also succeeded.

What are you feeding into your life? The statements that you make about who you are and where you are can be the difference between getting gold medals and getting silver. Feeding the doubts may bring second best, but the gold medals come from thoughts of winning and action to make the win a reality.

Change your mind and you begin to change your direction. The movement may be slow, like a cruise ship turning in the ocean. Sometimes the changes will be instant and more like a jet ski in the lake. A new mind, or a renewed mind can make that change begin.

Ignoring words will only make the change a more difficult (if not impossible) venture. Words have power. They have meaning. And they have the ability to turn your life from where you are to where you want to be and give you the peace to enjoy the journey while you are on the path to your destination.